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SIHF Healthcare Opens New Health Center in East St. Louis Senior High School
East St. Louis, Ill. (August 5, 2026) SIHF Healthcare is proud to announce the opening of a new health center in the East St. Louis Senior High School this week. This new collaboration with East St. Louis School District 189 will provide students, faculty and their families with access to primary care and behavioral health services, regardless of their ability to pay.
Located inside the school at 4901 State Street, East St. Louis, IL 62205, the new health center will operate Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Services include sports physicals, vaccinations, primary care, women’s health services, sick visits and behavioral health support. Patients may also be referred to specialty care for additional needs. SIHF Healthcare Senior Vice President Kena Gray said the new health center is an important resource to connect students with the care they need.
"This new health center symbolizes what is possible when a community comes together around its young people,” said Gray. “While SIHF Healthcare's roots in East St. Louis run deep, we are thrilled to expand our presence with a location that is not only accessible but intentionally placed at the heart of the school. Every student deserves the opportunity to thrive, and we are proud to help make that possible by bringing high-quality, compassionate care directly to where students learn and grow."
SIHF Healthcare Operations Director Bryan Ferrell emphasized how this collaboration bridges healthcare and education, creating easier access to services that support students’ health, well-being and ability to succeed in the classroom.
"This health center is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when health care and education come together with a shared purpose,” added Ferrell. “Through our partnership with District 189, we are creating greater access to care, addressing health needs earlier, and helping ensure that students have the support they need to succeed in all areas, including academics, athletics and personally. We are excited about the impact this collaboration will have for years to come."
East St. Louis School District 189 Superintendent Arthur R. Culver said the new health center is an investment in a student’s overall well-being.
"Every child deserves access to quality healthcare, and no student should have to delay or go without essential medical services because of transportation, scheduling, or other barriers," noted Culver. "This new school-based health center partnership reflects our commitment to supporting the whole child. We are excited to expand awareness of these services and ensure that every student and family knows help is available right here on campus. When we invest in our students' health, we are investing in their future."
The health center officially opens on August 3 and offers care both in person and through telehealth appointments.
About SIHF Healthcare: SIHF Healthcare operates a network of more than 30 health centers across 12 Illinois counties with more than 160 medical providers who deliver comprehensive health care services including: adult, family, women’s health, pediatrics, dental services, behavioral health, population, and specialty health services. As one of the largest Federally Qualified Health Center networks in the State of Illinois, SIHF Healthcare is devoted to leading individuals and communities to their healthiest lifestyle regardless of their ability to pay. For more information, visit www.sihf.org.